Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-09-01
COMMUNICATED.
Mount Vernon Avenue.

Ta0UNt . HeTNOn avenue.
4 broad highway from the national Capt.
tai, leading BIZ Alexandria to Mt. Vernon.
ought to be constructed, as has been sug-
gested, and might be constructed if every
body most interested in such an enterprise
vas willing and ready to come promptly
forward and assist ia making it an accom-
pished fact.
Generally, when landholders are ap-
preached by corporate bodies for conces
sions to assist them in carrying out move.
ments having for their object the promotion
of public conveniences and comforts they
are apt 10 demand exorbitant prices,
even wnen they feel certain that the con-
tempiated movement would very much en-
hauco TIE value of their properties, and We
suppose owners of land through which this
highway or avenue is proposed to pass
would be no exception to the established
rule. Il few years ago the farmers below
and adjscant to Alexandria were clamorous
for railroad between that place and Mt.
Vernon. They were ready, SO they repre-
sented, TO offer almost any concessions. The
right of way was to be given freely, and a
large amount of grading would be given gra-
tuitouslv. Only give them road that they
might have quick transit to the nelghboring
cities. They had dragged slowly over bad
wagon roads SO long. Time was money to
them. They wanted more settlers to buy
their surplus acres and help on with their
neighborhood's work of general improve
ment. Well, railroad men came forward
and considered their propositions. Several
routes were surveyed and one of them, q
very practical one, of easy grading, was
decided upon. But, all at ooce, thinkiog
there was chance to get the cake and pen
ny both, and forgetting their travelling dis
comforts and inconvenience as we'll as iheir
clamors for and their promises of assistaace
and hearty cooperation, they demanded
fabulous prices for the few acres needed for
the way in consideration Of fooisb!y
trumped up Inconvenience likely 10 result
froin the cutting Of fields, and so the rail
roGd was not built and they fo.nd them
selves LEFT high and dry and ever since
they have been grieving over their penny
wise and pound foolish policy. They were
not so fortunate even as the man Id the fable
who killed the goose. He got one golden
egg. They got nothing but regrets. 1t may
be by this time, let us hope so at least, That
this people have had sufficient opporiun,-
ties to repent OF their folly and to learn
enough of wisdom to be ready when another
proposition is made to help them, to co-ope
rate promptly and earnestly with their help
ers The building of this highway, We re-
iterate, is q great public necessity. 1t
ought 10 have been built years ago.
Every visitor to Washington would
like to so to Mount Vernon, but
every one of them does not want TO be com
PEELED 20 make the journey By boat. a ride
there by easy carriage over smooth turn
pike from the Capital in delightful weather
would be INDUCED in by thousands. The
road would be favorite thoroughfare
for persons in carriages, on cycles and on
horseback. 1t would open up and develop
the agricultural resources ofmany hundreds
of acres OF land now comparatively worth
less. 1t would make convenient and desir-
able many situations for new hcmes, and in
few years suburban residences would be
found all along its roadway. That it would
be paying investment to stockholders
if properly constructed and thereafter
kept il perfect repair there can
be no doubt. From Alexandria 10 Mt. Yer
non the distance would be about eight
miles, and by one of the several routes
which have been looked over and which
would give near view of the Potomac al.
most continuously, the ground lies.mo fa-
vcrabe for its construction. Over seven OF
these miles, but little more than the round
ing up of the road bed before macademizing
would be required. Stone for culverts and
gravel for bed foundation occur plentifully
in the contiguous hills. as we'll as sand in
variety for mortar and cement. Let the
road be constructed then. Let it be got
ready for travel when the great Columbus
celebration of "ninety two" shall bring its
multitudes to the national Capital. Let it
be made solid and permanent as the Appian
Way. Let it represent the best engineer
ing skill of the times in all its appointments.
Finally, let it be beautiful and fitting way
to the home and shrine of the great Wash
ington down from the magnificent and wide
spreading city which he founded.
W. 81. SNowDEN.